POLICE hunting Jo Yeates’s killer last night insisted the investigation would not be hampered by costs, as the bill topped £1million.

Murder detectives on the case are working round the clock to catch her strangler, meaning costs have spiralled.

Avon and Somerset Police refused to confirm how much the probe – codenamed Operation Braid – has cost so far.

But a source said: “Everyone remains determined to ensure this case is resolved and funding is not an issue.

“Nothing will prevent the senior investigating officer sending something off for analysis if he feels it is necessary.”

A top criminologist, who asked not to be named, explained: “With any major inquiry you will have a myriad of costs. But on this case there is a large staffing level of 80 and you have had all those man-hours for four weeks now.

“Obviously the huge cost of forensics on the case will already have cost a significant amount. The cost of the inquiry could easily have reached around £1million so far.”

Drafting in computer and CCTV experts to analyse seized video footage, plus overtime and travel costs will also have drained the budget.

A forensics source added: “The fact that there are two major crime scenes will have added to the cost.

Sending every piece of evidence for assessment will be the biggest cost. That will run to hundreds of thousands on its own.”

Chief constables can ask the Home Office for cash for a major inquiry.

DNA samples are being taken from all Jo’s male pals and yesterday forensic investigators continued to search her flat in upmarket Clifton, Bristol.

Two specialists carrying cases and wearing masks entered her block after turning up in a white van. Cleaners also went in to tidy up her 65-year-old landlord Chris Jefferies’ flat.

Meanwhile, experts warned street lighting in the area was “extremely poor”, creating a haven for crime. The city council said it was due to be updated.